Louis Grimshaw. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh. oil on canvas

The influence of John Atkinson Grimshaw on his son's work is plain to see and they collaborated on a number of works prior to John's death in 1893.  Working in the studio at Knostrup Old Hall his father would paint the compositional outline and background while Louis would execute the figures.  John Atkinson's death left his wife and children in debt meaning Louis had to paint out of necessity as well as inclination.  Despite his best efforts and inherent talent it seems his labours were insufficient to support the family and in 1905 he took a job as a cartographer for the Manchester Guardian.

The present work shows a platoon of the Scots Guards marching along The Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace situated on Castle Rock in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town.   The scene is illuminated by lights from the shops and boutiques which line the thoroughfare.  Employing a technique strongly reminiscent of his father's work these light sources are increased by the reflection on the rain soaked road and pavement.  The distance between the Castle and the Palace defined the Scottish mile, a distance which differed from the English mile which was not imposed until 1824.